Please ... pause before you plant

Unitywater is asking residents to pause before they plant, with more than 30 per cent of wastewater pipe blockages and overflows caused by tree roots.

In the last six months, Unitywater crews have been to more than 1300 blockage or wastewater overflow jobs - 439 were caused by tree roots.

“It’s clear from our data one in every three blockages in our network is caused by tree roots and these jobs are unpleasant for our crews and the community,” Executive Manager Customer Delivery Rhett Duncan said.

“Tree roots find their way into pipes to access the water and continue growing in there, effectively blocking the pipe or becoming a mass that other debris can attach to.

“They are then more difficult to remove and take our crews away from other jobs.

Mr Duncan said pipe blockages cause wastewater overflows that can flow into and damage the environment.

Also in people’s homes, up through toilets and shower recesses, causing a smelly mess and potential health risks or property damage.

“We know how stressful it can be for our customers who experience overflows on their property, as well as the costs associated with replacing private pipes,” he said.

“We’re asking the community to pause before they plant, consider the types of trees they’re planting and plant them away from pipes.”

Mr Duncan said Unitywater had a free online mapping tool which helped locate Unitywater’s water and wastewater pipes.

“Input your address to check if there are any Unitywater pipes on your property. It’s good to know where your private pipes run too.

“We also have a planting guide to know what to plant and how far away to plant to protect your pipes."

Visit www.unitywater.com/smart-planting for more information.

Mr Duncan said local nurseries would be able to advise the suitability of other plants with short root systems.”

What to plant directly above or up to 1.5m away from water supply and wastewater pipes - Blue flax lily, Tall sedge, Spiny-headed mat-rush, Common tussock grass, Kangaroo grass, Common hovea

What not to plant - Golden cane palm, Gum tree (large species), Common fig, Lilly pilly (large species), Umbrella tree (an environmental weed in this are, West African tulip (this a Class 3 weed)

What to plant between 1.5m and 3m away from water supply and wastewater pipes - Austral indigo, Dogwood, Dwarf banksia, Hairy bush pea, Sweet wattle, Woombye bush, Broad–leaved palm lily

What not to plant - Austral indigo, Dogwood, Dwarf banksia, Hairy bush pea, Sweet wattle, Woombye bush, Broad–leaved palm lily

What to plant more than 3m away from water supply and wastewater pipes - Blueberry ash, Plum myrtle, Peanut tree

What not to plant - Coral tree, Willow (all types) (this a Class 3 weed), Camphor Laurel (this a Class 3 weed), Wisteria, Black bean